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Ryan Poehling, C, St. Cloud State University, NCAA

Reason for optimism: Could this be the big, skilled centre the Canadiens have been waiting on for the better part of three decades? It sure seems possible.

Poehling was an enticing pick at 25th overall just based on the fact he had already completed a season at the college level. Considering he’s already surpassed his rookie-season production—he had seven goals and 13 points—in 23 fewer games is a sign he’s progressing quickly.

“He has lots of upside, good size, and he plays well in the four corners of the ice,” said Canadiens vice president of player personnel Trevor Timmins from the draft floor.

Clearly the 6-foot-2, 185-pound Minnesotan is proving that.

Here’s a glimpse of what he can do:

Poehling was a part of the USA’s world junior summer showcase and was invited to the team’s WJC selection camp roster early this month.

Josh Brook, D, Moose Jaw Warriors, WHL

Brook suffered a broken wrist on Sept. 22, but was able to return sooner than expected from surgery. He’s an offensive defenceman who’s billed as a player that does everything well.

He told Sean Farrell of NHL.com after Montreal’s development camp that he gained confidence with the things development coach Francis Bouillon was able to teach him.

“Whenever we were on the ice for practices they were addressing me with a ton of stuff, talking about what I can work on and what I need to improve on and change in my game, even my posture when I’m skating, when I’m turning, how I hold my stick, and it was awesome,” said Brook.

After putting up eight goals and 40 points with Moose Jaw in his draft year, it’ll be interesting to see how he applies what he learned in August to games upcoming on the Warriors’ schedule.

This video will give you a sense for what Timmins and the Canadiens saw when they drafted the 6-foot-1, 182-pound Roblin, Man., native.

Scott Walford, D, Victoria Royals, WHL

There’s nothing particularly flashy about Walford, but by all accounts he seems to have a good head on his shoulders and an all-around game.

“He plays in all situations, has good size, and he’s a really strong skater,” Timmins said at the draft.

The 6-foot-2, 195-pounder compares his game to Minnesota Wild defenceman Ryan Suter’s. If he can develop to become half the player Suter is, the Canadiens will have done well with this third-round selection.

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